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July 12: Facts & Historical Events On This Day

Facts & Historic Events That Happened on July 12

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July 12th is known as New Conversations Day and Etch A Sketch Day.

Today marks the 194th day of the year. We’re slowly getting through the year, but still have 172 days remaining until the end of the year.

If this day is your birthday or special to you in some way, then you’ll want to learn all about the past events that all fell on July 12.

Did you know that on this day in 2000, the movie “X-Men” premiered in New York? The premiere took place on Ellis Island, the location of the film’s final battle.

Keep reading for more fun & interesting facts about July 12th in history!

Events

What memorable events happened on July 12 in history? Keep reading to find out!

2022

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope released its first groundbreaking images from space.

The new images paved the way for a new era in astronomy. One of the first full-color images was called Cosmic Cliffs. The photo was taken from a star-forming region called NGC 3324 in the Carina Nebula.

2018

Sandra Oh became the first woman nominated for an Emmy for her lead role in Killing Eve.

2018

“Mission: Impossible – Fallout” premiered in Paris, France.

2013

Seven people were killed when a French passenger train derailed in Brétigny-Sur-Orge.

The accident was France’s most severe train crash since the 1988 Gare de Lyon accident, in which 56 people lost their lives.

2001

NASA’s Atlantis space shuttle took off from the John F. Kennedy Space Center on mission STS-104.

OTD in 2001: NASA's Atlantis space shuttle took off from the John F. Kennedy Space Center on mission STS-104.

Mission STS-104’s main priorities were transporting and installing the Quest Joint airlock to the International Space Station and conducting routine maintenance on the station. The airlock was the biggest deal, though, as it was the first airlock on the ISS, which was usable by both Russian and American astronauts.

2000

The “X-Men” film premiered in New York on Ellis Island.

Since Ellis Island plays an important role in the movie, the premiere was held at that location. Two days later, the film opened in thousands of theaters across North America.

1996

Basketball player Michael Jordan was offered the richest NBA one-year contract of $30 million from the Chicago Bulls.

Jordan signed the deal for the 1996-97 season with the Chicago Bulls, and little did he know that one year later, he would be offered $33 million to stay with Chicago Bulls.

1993

The musical “Sunset Boulevard” by Andrew Lloyd Webber opened at the Adelphi Theater in London.

The show was incredibly popular and ran for 1,529 performances but had to be stopped due to losing money for being an expensive production.

1962

The Rolling Stones had their first performance at the Marquee Club in London.

1957

Dwight D. Eisenhower became the first president to fly in a helicopter.

1804

Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton, was shot in a pistol duel with Vice President Aaron Burr.

OTD in 1804: Secretary of the Treasury

1771

British explorer James Cook returned to England.

OTD in 1771: British explorer James Cook returned to England.

His journey from Batavia (modern-day Jakarta in Indonesia) wasn’t the easiest as many of his crew suffered from malaria.

1679

Under the rule of King Charles II of England, the Habeas Corpus Parliament was dissolved.

The Habeas Corpus Act was established on March 6, 1679.

927 AD

The Saxon King Æthelstan of Southern England was the first successful king to take over Northern England.

In Saxon, England, there were many rulers of each area. On this day, King Constantine II of Alba, King Hywel Dda of Deheubarth, and Ealdred of Bamburgh accepted King Æthelstan’s overlordship. He was the first successful king to conquer northern and southern England.

Famous Births

Is today your birthday? If so, you share this special day with Michelle Rodriguez! Check out more famous people born on this day below.

1989

Phoebe Tonkin

Australian

Actress

Phoebe Tonkin

Age:

35 years old

Born In:

New South Wales, Australia

1977

Brock Lesnar

American

Wrestler

Brock Lesnar

Age:

47 years old

Born In:

South Dakota, USA

1978

Michelle Rodriguez

American

Actress

Michelle Rodriguez

Age:

46 years old

Born In:

Texas, USA

1937

Bill Cosby

American

Comedian

Bill Cosby

Age:

87 years old

Born In:

Pennsylvania, USA

1817

Henry David Thoreau

American

Naturalist

Henry David Thoreau

Died On:

May 6, 1862 (Age 44)

Born In:

Massachusetts, USA

Famous Deaths

Unfortunately, July 12th has also been a day where we’ve had to say some goodbyes over the years…

1757

1804

Alexander Hamilton

American

Politician

Alexander Hamilton

1757

1804

Alexander Hamilton

Alexander Hamilton was an American politician born on January 11, 1757. He died on this day in 1804, at age 47 in Greenwich Village, New York City, New York, USA.

Died On:

Jul 12, 1804 (Age 47)

Died In:

New York, USA

Quotes

Below are the most famous quotes people have said or written on this day throughout history.

2008

A fundamental concern for others in our individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dreamt of.

Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela

South African President

1917

The strongest natures, when they are influenced, submit the most unreservedly: it is perhaps a sign of their strength.

Virginia Woolf

Virginia Woolf

English Writer

Special Holidays

If you can spare some time today, here are some unique holidays you could get involved with.

July 12: New Conversations Day
International

New Conversations Day

Making new friends typically begins by striking up a conversation with people you have never spoken to before. Today is New Conversations Day, so why not reach out to someone new and see where the conversation goes?

July 12: Etch A Sketch Day
United States

Etch A Sketch Day

Etch A Sketches are arguably one of the most underrated toys from our childhood. The best news you’ll hear all day is that they’re still readily available for purchase! If you can’t pick one up today, that’s all good – just pick up a pencil and get creative!

THe Fact Site’s

Fun Fact Of The Day

Northern Korean people are legally only allowed to have one of 28 haircuts. Men and women can choose from 14 different styles.

Birthday & Zodiac

Those of you who were born on July 12 share the Cancer star sign.

In astrology, Cancer’s ruling planet is the moon. Before telescopes were invented, the moon was one of 7 “planets” visible to the naked eye. Because of this, the sun and moon were both included in the definition of what a planet is.

Those of you that were born in July have the Ruby birthstone. The color of the ruby gemstone commonly ranges from a deep blood red to a pale rose red. The ruby symbolizes love, passion, and success.

People born on July 12 were likely conceived on or around October 19 in the previous year.

A baby conceived on this day will likely be born around April 4, 2025.

Fact Check

We have a thorough fact-checking process and a dedicated team verifying our content for accuracy. But occasionally, we may get things wrong, or information becomes outdated. If you believe something to be incorrect, please leave us a message below.

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